Howard has been rumored to join Williams after the season with one team.

Some say it's the New Jersey Nets, who are moving to Brooklyn.

“The Nets think they’re getting him,’’ one Eastern Conference GM told the New York Daily News Friday, citing the fact that Howard’s agent, Dan Fegan, is said to want the East’s starting center to relocate to New York.

But the Daily News reported that other NBA executives believe Dallas remains the likeliest destination for Williams, who currently plays in New Jersey, and Howard if Orlando doesn’t deal Howard by the March 15 trading deadline.

“The Mavs want to do what Miami did and put together their own big three,’’ said another GM. “That’s their goal.”

According to the Daily News, Williams privately told members of the Mavericks last June during their Finals celebration that he would love to go back home and be a part of team with Dirk Nowitzki. But he has said recently he wants to continue to be a Net.

Howard and Williams are sure-fire free agents this summer.

The Mavericks have cleaned up their payroll, which could be below $34 million after this season. But New Jersey will have more money to offer the pair, at least as things stand now.

The salary cap is going to be at least $58 million, which means the Mavericks might not be far enough under the salary cap to offer maximum contracts to both players, but they can probably offer a max deal to one of them, then perhaps pull off a sign-and-trade to get the other one up to maximum territory.

It doesn't hurt that Howard's agent is Dan Fegan, who has been very important to many Maverick signings through the years.

Howard is reportedly willing to sign a long-term deal with only four possible teams and the Mavs are one of them. Along with his current team, the Orlando Magic, Howard is also willing to sign with the New Jersey Nets and Los Angeles Lakers.

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